Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698931020761.pdf (Namibia)
Tuesday, 23 February 2021 No.

5 – 2021 - 11 - THIRD SESSION, SEVENTH PARLIAMENT REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TUESDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2021 The Assembly met pursuant to the adjournment.

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The Speaker took the Chair and read the Prayer and Affirmation.

NOTICES OF QUESTIONS: (i) Mr. Kauandenge (NUDO) to ask the Minister of Finance (No.

25).

(ii) Mr. Seibeb (LPM) to ask the Minister of Urban and Rural Development (No.

26).
26).

(iii) Mr. Smit (PDM) to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services (No.

27).

(iv) Mr. Smit (PDM) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises (No.

28).

(v) Mr. Smit (PDM) to ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (No.

29).

(vi) Ms. Mootu (LPM) to ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (No.

30).

3.
FIRST NOTICE OF A MOTION: Mr. Smit moved, seconded by Ms. Dienda: That in the light of what must be considered a national disaster, considering the fact that under the previous curriculum (NSSCO/H) between 25 000 and 28 000 learners had a chance to obtain a tertiary qualification, whereas now a mere 7 000 learners out of a total of some 21 000 have the chance to return to the classroom, this House should urgently discuss the way forward for our children and in particular what is to become of the 20 000 odd who may not wish to or cannot afford to pursue their training at a VTC.
That this Motion be referred to the relevant Parliamentary Standing Committee for further scrutiny and report back On the motion of the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, seconded by the Deputy Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, debate adjourned until Wednesday, 24 February 2021.

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SECOND NOTICE OF A MOTION: The Minister of Works and Transport moved, seconded by the Minister of Finance: That this Assembly – Agrees to the Ratification of the Agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Namibia and the Republic of Zambia on the establishment of the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lumbumbashi Development Corridor.

On the motion of Mr. Muharukua, seconded by Mr. Martin, debate adjourned until Wednesday, 24 February 2021.

5.
THIRD NOTICE OF A MOTION: The Minister of Justice moved, seconded by Mr. Amutse: That leave be given to amend the Combating of Rape Act, 2000, so as to provide for additional coercive circumstances for rape; to amend certain minimum sentences for rape; to clarify that the minimum sentences for rape apply equally to rape under the common law, as well as attempt, conspiracy and incitement to commit rape; to provide that a court for a regional division may impose all penalties for rape; to require that a court shall not draw any inference only from the absence of semen or other bodily fluids on or within the complainant, or from the absence of evidence of the rupture of the hymen; to empower the court to impose conditions upon bail relating to contact necessary to protect the complainant; to amend the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 to provide for additional duties of the prosecutor towards complainants and vulnerable witnesses before the commencement of trials; and to empower the minister responsible for justice to make regulations to provide for protection of complainants and to impose further duties in that regard; to amend the combating of immoral practices Act, 1980, in order to remove the defence of marriage from sexual offences with a child; to amend the Correctional Services Act, 2012 in order to clarify that all forms of rape are scheduled offences and to provide for matters incidental thereto.
Agreed to.

Combating of Rape Amendment Bill [B.

4 – 2021] read a First Time.

The Minister of Justice moved, subject to Rule 32(a) of the Standing Rules and Orders, seconded by Mr. Hambyuka: That the Bill be read a Second Time.

On the motion of Ms. Van den Heever, seconded by Mr. Van Wyk, debate adjourned until Tuesday, 9 March 2021.

6.

In terms of Rule 99(a) of the Standing Rules and Orders, the Speaker adjourned the Assembly at 17:46 until Wednesday, 24 February 2021.
MS. L. KANDETU Secretary of the National Assembly Compiled by I. Nehoya